Johan Franzen won't play tonight against the San Jose Sharks (10:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit), as Pavel Datsyuk returns to the lineup after missing 11 games following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Franzen experienced back spasms during Friday's practice.

“I don't know what you call it, a strain or something. He spasmed up, not feeling like he can play,'' coach Mike Babcock said. "I don't know what the time line is on something like that.''

Danny Cleary will replace Franzen on the line with Datsyuk and Todd Bertuzzi. All three have had issues with injuries lately.

“We think they're good players, we expect they're going to play well,'' Babcock said. "We need them to play well if we're going to be successful.

"Obviously, we would have liked to have the Mule, but those are things that happen. There's no sense worrying about who's not here. Let's just play hard. They're a desperate team and we're a desperate team. We both need wins badly.''

Here are the lines and defense pairings Detroit will start the game with: